Process and apparatus for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels

ABSTRACT

Building a carcass structure of a tyre for vehicle wheels includes associating, at each end edge of a carcass ply laying on a forming support, at least one respective annular reinforcing structure obtained by depositing at least one respective reinforcing element. The deposition process includes feeding a continuous reinforced band-like element at a cutting unit, cutting to size at least one first reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the first reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a first end edge of the carcass ply, positioning the first reinforcing element on the first end edge, cutting to size at least one second reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the second reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a second end edge of the carcass ply opposite said first end edge, and positioning the second reinforcing element on the other end edge.

The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing tyres forvehicle wheels.

The invention further relates to an apparatus for the deposition of anannular reinforcing structure in the building step of a carcassstructure of a tyre for vehicle wheels, said apparatus being usable incarrying out the aforementioned process.

A tyre for vehicle wheel generally comprises a carcass structurecomprising at least one carcass ply comprised of reinforcing cordsincorporated in an elastomeric matrix. The carcass ply has end edgesrespectively engaged with annular anchoring structures arranged in thezones usually identified with the name of “beads” and normallyconsisting each of a substantially circumferential annular insert onwhich at least one filling insert is applied, in a radially outerposition thereof. Such annular structures are commonly identified as“bead cores” and have the task of keeping the tyre well fixed to theanchoring seat specifically provided in the rim of the wheel, thuspreventing, in operation, the radially inner end edge of the tyre comingout from such seat.

At the beads specific reinforcing structures may be provided having thefunction of improving the torque transmission to the tyre. The region ofthe bead, indeed, is particularly active in the torque transmission fromthe rim to the tyre in acceleration and braking, and therefore theprovision of appropriate reinforcing structures in such an area ensuresthat the torque transmission occurs with the maximum possiblereactivity.

In a radially outer position with respect to the carcass ply, a beltstructure comprising one or more belt layers is associated, said beltlayers being arranged radially one on top of the other and havingtextile or metal reinforcing cords with crossed orientation and/or anorientation substantially parallel to the direction of circumferentialextension of the tyre.

Between the carcass structure and the belt structure a layer ofelastomeric material, known as “under-belt”, can be provided, said layerhaving the function of making the radially outer surface of the carcassstructure as uniform as possible for the subsequent application of thebelt structure.

In a radially outer position with respect to the belt structure a treadband is applied, also made from elastomeric material, as well as otherstructural elements making up the tyre.

Between the tread band and the belt structure a so-called “under-layer”of elastomeric material can be arranged, said layer having propertiessuitable to ensure a steady union of the tread band itself.

On the side surfaces of the carcass structure respective sidewalls ofelastomeric material are also applied, each extending from one of theside edges of the tread band up to the respective annular anchoringstructure to the beads.

Throughout the present description and in the following claims, the term“reinforcing element” is used to indicate a cut to size elementcomprising one or more thread-like reinforcing elements substantiallyparallel to one another, such as textile or metal cords, embedded in, orcoated with, a layer of elastomeric material.

The term: “elastomeric material” on the other hand is used to indicate acomposition comprising at least one elastomeric polymer and at least onereinforcing filler. Preferably, such a composition further comprisesadditives such as, for example, a cross-linking agent and/or aplasticizer. Thanks to the provision of the cross-linking agent, suchmaterial can be cross-linked by heating, so as to make the end product.

The traditional processes for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheelsessentially provide for the components of the tyre listed above to befirst made separately from one another, to be then assembled in asubsequent building step of the tyre.

However, the current tendency is that of using manufacturing processesthat allow the production and storage of semi-finished parts to beminimised or possibly eliminated. In such processes, each component ofthe tyre is directly formed on a forming support, for example asillustrated in EP 0 928 680 in the name of the same Applicant.

More specifically, attention has now turned towards process solutionsthat allow the individual components of the tyre to be made by directlyapplying them, according to a predetermined sequence, onto the tyrebeing built on a forming support, typically toroidal or cylindrical.

JP 2006-205769 describes a process for manufacturing a reinforcingstructure of the bead region of the tyre, wherein such a reinforcingstructure is obtained in the form of a strip by reciprocally joining aplurality of reinforcing elements obtained cutting to size band-likepieces of a continuous band-like element which incorporates metalreinforcing elements. According to an embodiment described in theaforementioned document, a sheet of elastomeric material is made byarranging a plurality of cords in the same direction and coating themwith elastomeric material. Said sheet is then repeatedly cut along thedirection of the cords to obtain band-like pieces having a parallelogramshape. A ring-shaped sheet of reinforcing material is then formed bysequentially attaching each band-like piece along a circumferencedefined on a side surface of a tyre being formed in toroidalconfiguration, the band-like piece being deformed in such a way that thelength of an outer peripheral portion of the sheet of reinforcingmaterial forms a curve arc longer than the length of the innerperipheral portion of the sheet of reinforcing material. The samedocument illustrates an embodiment wherein each band-like piece isattached, without being deformed, to a portion defined on the samecircumference corresponding to the portion of the bead of the tyre beingformed in toroidal configuration.

Patent application published as WO 2007/138374, in the name of the sameApplicant, describes a process for manufacturing a tyre for vehiclewheels wherein the reinforcing structure is formed by depositing aplurality of reinforcing elements along a curvilinear deposition pathdefined at each end edge of a carcass ply laying on a toroidal support.The reinforcing elements are obtained cutting to size band-like piecesof a continuous reinforced element and deforming these band-like piecesaccording to the bending of the portion of the deposition path wherethey will actually be deposited.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,493 describes an apparatus for carrying reinforcingelements previously cut from a continuous band-like reinforced elementand depositing them on a forming support. The apparatus comprises twoopposite arms, each provided, at the respective free end thereof, with aplurality of needles adapted to penetrate the reinforcing element formoving it up to the forming support, where it is then deposited. Theneedles are movable along respective longitudinal directions forallowing the pick up and the release of the reinforcing elements. Thearms are mounted on a crosspiece sliding towards and away from theforming support, along a direction tangential to the forming support.Such arms are rotatable around respective rotation axes so as to belifted during the movement of the crosspiece away from the formingsupport and so as to be lowered again for picking up the reinforcingelement and moving it towards the forming support for the subsequentdeposition.

The Applicant has noted that in the processes described in theaforementioned patent applications WO 2007/138374 and JP 2006-205769,deposition of the reinforcing elements occurs first at an end edge ofthe carcass ply and, only after the reinforcing structure at such endedge has been completed, deposition of the reinforcing elements beginsat the other end edge, so as to form a reinforcing structure also atthis other end edge. In the process described in U.S. Pat. No.6,379,493, on the other hand, deposition of the reinforcing elements iscarried out simultaneously on opposite end edges of the carcass ply,working in parallel through two separate pivoted arms.

The Applicant has felt the need of completing the deposition of thereinforcing elements on both end edges of the carcass ply within amaximum predetermined time, so as to synchronise the forming step of thereinforcing structures with the previous and subsequent steps of thebuilding process of the carcass structure and, then, with the step ofmaking the crown structure (comprising at least one belt structure),thus minimising the overall time for manufacturing the tyre.

The Applicant has noted that this is particularly important for examplein a manufacturing process wherein the building steps of the carcassstructure are carried out at least in part simultaneously with the stepsof making the crown structure at respective separate work stations fromwhere the respective products must then come out with a time whichshould be as synchronised as possible, so as to proceed with thesubsequent step of assembling the crown structure on the carcassstructure and then, with the subsequent steps of the process formanufacturing the tyre.

The Applicant has also felt the need of making the aforementionedreinforcing structures by a process which should ensure both wideflexibility margins in operation with respect to the positioning, sizeand cutting angle of the reinforcing elements, and high reliability interms of accuracy and repeatability of the reciprocal positioning of thevarious reinforcing elements on the end edge of the carcass ply, allwithin a maximum predetermined time, so as to ensure a deposition asplanned and ensure increasingly higher quality and performance levels ofthe tyre with very low manufacturing time.

In this respect, the Applicant has verified the maximum number ofreinforcing elements intended to form the reinforcing structure at eachend edge of the carcass ply in the most unfavourable depositionconfiguration with respect to the deposition time (corresponding to adeposition of reinforcing elements with a cutting angle substantiallyperpendicular to the reinforcing cords which are in the same reinforcingelement) and has calculated the maximum time by which each reinforcingelement must be deposited so as to complete both reinforcing structureswith the desired synchronisation in any possible depositionconfiguration.

The Applicant has finally found that by:

-   -   dividing the deposition process of each reinforcing element at        each end edge of the carcass ply into a plurality of separate        steps;    -   carrying out, by a single apparatus, a sequential deposition of        the reinforcing elements alternately on both end edges of the        carcass ply; and    -   carrying out at least one of the steps required for depositing a        reinforcing element at an end edge at least in part        simultaneously with at least one different step among those        required for depositing a reinforcing element at the other end        edge;        it is advantageously possible to achieve a reduction of the        overall time for making the reinforcing structures on the two        opposite end edges of the carcass ply and thus, of the overall        time for manufacturing the tyre.

In a first aspect thereof, the present invention therefore relates to aprocess for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels, comprising the stepof building a carcass structure on a forming support, the carcassstructure comprising at least one carcass ply associated, at axiallyopposite end edges thereof, to respective annular anchoring structures,wherein the step of building the carcass structure comprises the step ofassociating at least one first annular reinforcing structure at a firstend edge of the carcass ply and at least one second annular reinforcingstructure at a second end edge of the carcass ply, each annularreinforcing structure being obtained by depositing at least onerespective reinforcing element, wherein the step of depositing therespective reinforcing elements comprises the steps of:

-   -   feeding a continuous reinforced band-like element at a cutting        unit by moving the continuous reinforced band-like element by a        first distance having a length equal to a predetermined advance        step;    -   cutting to size at least one first reinforcing element from the        continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   moving the first reinforcing element from the cutting unit        towards the first end edge of the carcass ply;    -   positioning the first reinforcing element on said first end        edge;    -   moving the continuous reinforced band-like element by a second        distance having a length equal to the predetermined advance        step;    -   cutting to size at least one second reinforcing element from the        continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   moving the second reinforcing element from the cutting unit        towards the second end edge of the carcass ply opposite said        first end edge;    -   positioning the second reinforcing element on said second end        edge;        wherein at least one of the steps carried out for depositing the        first reinforcing element is carried out at least in part        simultaneously with at least part of a different step carried        out for depositing the second reinforcing element.

The Applicant has verified that, operating as described above, widemargins of flexibility with respect to the positioning, size and cuttingangle of the reinforcing elements are guaranteed, along with a highprocess reliability, at the same time achieving the desired reduction ofthe overall time for making the annular reinforcing structures on thetwo opposite end edges of the carcass ply and thus, of the overall timefor manufacturing the carcass structure, the synchronisation with thetime for making the respective crown structure of the tyre being thuseasier.

In a second aspect thereof, the present invention relates to anapparatus for depositing an annular reinforcing structure in thebuilding step of a carcass structure of a tyre for vehicle wheels, thecarcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply associated, ataxially opposite end edges thereof, to respective annular anchoringstructures, said at least one carcass ply laying on a forming support,the apparatus comprising:

-   -   a device for feeding a continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   a cutting unit of the continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   a device for picking up at least one reinforced element cut to        size from the continuous reinforced band-like element, the pick        up device being alternately movable in both directions around a        respective rotation axis for sequentially moving at least one        first reinforcing element from the cutting unit towards a first        end edge of the carcass ply and at least one second reinforcing        element from the cutting unit towards a second end edge of the        carcass ply opposite said first end edge;    -   a first positioning member adapted to take the first reinforcing        element from the pick up device and deposit it on the first end        edge of the carcass ply;    -   a second positioning member adapted to take the second        reinforcing element from the pick up device and deposit it on        the second end edge of the carcass ply.

Advantageously, such apparatus can be used for carrying out the processdiscussed above, therefore allowing the advantageous results mentionedabove to be achieved. The aforementioned apparatus thus carries out thedeposition of the reinforcing elements sequentially on the opposite endedges of the carcass ply by alternately moving from one end edge to theother, thus allowing the simultaneity of some of the process stepsdescribed above.

The present invention, in at least one of the aforementioned aspectsthereof, can comprise at least one of the following preferred features,taken individually or in combination with the others.

Preferably, each of the steps carried out for depositing the secondreinforcing element is carried out simultaneously with at least onedifferent step carried out for depositing the first reinforcing element.An even more advantageous reduction of the overall time for making thereinforcing structures on the two opposite end edges of the carcass plyis thus obtained.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step ofcutting to size the second reinforcing element is carried out at leastin part simultaneously with at least part of the step of positioning thefirst reinforcing element on the first end edge of the carcass ply.

More preferably, the whole step of cutting to size the secondreinforcing element is carried out simultaneously with part of the stepof positioning the first reinforcing element on the first end edge ofthe carcass ply.

Advantageously, therefore, the cut of a reinforcing element intended tobe deposited on an end edge of the carcass ply takes places in the samespace of time in which the reinforcing element previously cut is movedfor being deposited on the other end edge of the carcass ply. Thesimultaneity of these two steps contributes to the desired reduction ofthe overall time for making the annular reinforcing structures on thetwo opposite end edges of the carcass ply.

Always in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step ofmoving the continuous reinforced band-like element of a second distanceis carried out at least in part simultaneously with at least part of thestep of moving the first reinforcing element from the cutting unittowards the first end edge of the carcass ply.

More preferably, at least part of the step of moving the continuousreinforced band-like element of a second distance is carried outsimultaneously with the whole step of moving the first reinforcingelement from the cutting unit towards the first end edge of the carcassply.

Advantageously, therefore, the movement of a reinforcing element towardsan end edge of the carcass ply for the subsequent positioning takesplaces in the same space of time in which the continuous reinforcedband-like element is made to advance in order to allow a new reinforcingelement to be cut, the new reinforcing element being then intended to bedeposited on the other end edge of the carcass ply. The simultaneity ofthese two steps contributes to the desired reduction of the overall timefor making the annular reinforcing structures on the two opposite endedges of the carcass ply.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an initial partof the step of moving the second reinforcing element from the cuttingunit towards the second end edge of the carcass ply is carried outsimultaneously with an end part of the step of positioning the firstreinforcing element on the first end edge of the carcass ply.

Advantageously, therefore, while the deposition of a reinforcing elementon an end edge of the carcass ply is completed, the continuousreinforced band-like element is advanced to allow a new reinforcingelement that will then be deposited on the other end edge of the carcassply to be cut. The partial simultaneity of these two steps contributesto the desired reduction of the overall time for making the annularreinforcing structures on the two opposite end edges of the carcass ply.

Preferably, the above process further comprises, after the positioningof the first reinforcing element on the first end edge of the carcassply, the step of pressing the first reinforcing element by a firstpressing member. Such a provision advantageously allows the adhesion ofthe reinforcing element on the respective end edge to be improved, thusallowing the reinforcing element to perfectly adhere at all the surfaceportions thereof. The Applicant has found that this is especiallyadvantageous since, due to the length of the reinforcing element, it mayhave raised end portions once deposited.

Preferably, each pressing member comprises a plurality of springelements. These are adapted to match the curved surface of the formingsupport so as to ensure the perfect adhesion of the reinforcing elementon the end edge of the carcass ply.

Preferably, each pressing member is movable along a directionperpendicular to a rotation axis of the forming support. Such movementallows the above pressing step to be carried out as well as thepositioning the pressing member in the proper radial position.

More preferably, each pressing member is movable along a directionparallel to a rotation axis of the forming support. This provisionallows the pressing member to be positioned in the proper axialposition.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the followingsteps are carried out after the step of cutting to size the secondreinforcing element:

-   -   moving the continuous reinforced band-like element by a third        distance having a length equal to the predetermined advance        step;    -   cutting to size a further first reinforcing element from the        continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   moving said further first reinforcing element from the cutting        unit towards the first end edge of the carcass ply;    -   rotating the forming support about a rotation axis thereof by a        predetermined angle corresponding to a movement, in a        circumferential direction, by a distance having a length at        least equal to the advance step of the continuous reinforced        band-like element;    -   positioning said further first reinforcing element on the first        end edge of the carcass ply.

Preferably, the rotation of the forming support is carried out during aninitial part of the step of positioning said further first reinforcingelement on the first end edge of the carcass ply.

Advantageously, therefore, the rotation of the forming support takesplace in the same space of time in which the positioning step of areinforcing element on an end edge of the carcass ply begins. Thesimultaneity of these two steps contributes to the desired reduction ofthe overall time for making the annular reinforcing structures on thetwo opposite end edges of the carcass ply.

Preferably, the step of pressing the first reinforcing element iscarried out at least in part simultaneously with at least a part of thestep of moving the further first reinforcing element from the cuttingunit towards the first end edge of the carcass ply.

Advantageously, therefore, the pressing of a reinforcing element againstthe respective end edge of the carcass ply takes places in the samespace of time in which the reinforcing element is moved towards the sameend edge of the carcass ply. The simultaneity of these two stepscontributes to the desired reduction of the overall time for making theannular reinforcing structures on the two opposite end edges of thecarcass ply.

In the particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention,after the positioning of the second reinforcing element on the secondend edge of the carcass ply, the step of pressing the second reinforcingelement by a second pressing member is carried out. Such second pressingmember preferably is totally similar to the first pressing member.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, thefollowing steps are carried out after the step of cutting to size thefurther first reinforcing element:

-   -   moving the continuous reinforced band-like element by a fourth        distance having a length equal to the predetermined advance        step; cutting to size a further second reinforcing element from        the continuous reinforced band-like element;    -   moving said further second reinforcing element from the cutting        unit towards the second end edge of the carcass ply;    -   rotating the forming support about a rotation axis thereof by a        predetermined angle corresponding to a movement, in a        circumferential direction, by a distance having a length at        least equal to the advance step of the continuous reinforced        band-like element;    -   positioning said further second reinforcing element on the        second end edge of the carcass ply.

In a way totally similar to what happens for the first reinforcingelement, preferably, the step of pressing the second reinforcing elementis carried out at least in part simultaneously with at least part of thestep of moving the further second reinforcing element from the cuttingunit towards the second end edge of the carcass ply.

The simultaneity of these two steps contributes to the desired reductionof the overall time for making the annular reinforcing structures on thetwo opposite end edges of the carcass ply.

Moreover, preferably, the step of pressing the first reinforcing elementis carried out at least in part simultaneously with at least part of thestep of moving the continuous reinforced band-like element by a fourthdistance. Advantageously, therefore, the pressing of a reinforcingelement towards the respective end edge of the carcass ply takes placesin the same space of time in which the continuous reinforced band-likeelement is made to advance in order to allow a new reinforcing elementto be cut, such a new reinforcing element being intended to be depositedon the other end edge of the carcass ply. The simultaneity of these twosteps contributes to the desired reduction of the overall time formaking the annular reinforcing structures on the two opposite end edgesof the carcass ply.

Preferably, the step of moving the first reinforcing element from thecutting unit towards the first end edge of the carcass ply comprises thestep of picking up, by a first pick up member, the first reinforcingelement from the cutting unit and moving it up to a respective firstoperating position wherein the first pick up member gives the firstreinforcing element to a first positioning member.

Likewise, the step of moving the second reinforcing element from thecutting unit towards the second end edge of the carcass ply preferablycomprises the step of picking up, by a second pick up member, the secondreinforcing element from the cutting unit and moving it up to arespective first operating position wherein the second pick up membergives the second reinforcing element to a second positioning member.

More preferably, the step of positioning the first reinforcing elementon said first end edge comprises the steps of:

-   -   moving, by the first positioning member, the first reinforcing        element from said respective first operating position to a        respective second operating position defined at the first end        edge of the carcass ply;    -   depositing the first reinforcing element on said first end edge.

Likewise, the step of positioning the second reinforcing element on saidsecond end edge preferably comprises the steps of:

-   -   moving, by the second positioning member, the second reinforcing        element from said respective first operating position to a        respective second operating position at the second end edge of        the carcass ply;    -   depositing the second reinforcing element on said second end        edge.

Preferably, said process further comprises the step of tilting by 180°one among said at least one first and at least one second reinforcingelement during the movement from the cutting unit respectively towardsthe first end edge of the carcass ply and the second end edge of thecarcass ply. This provision advantageously allows the reinforcingelements deposited at one end edge of the carcass ply to be in amirror-like and symmetrical position with respect to the reinforcingelements deposited at the opposite end edge. Indeed, this is the desiredpositioning of the reinforcing elements.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the device forpicking up the reinforcing elements comprises two arms rigidly connectedto one another and angularly spaced by a predetermined angle.

Even more preferably, said angle is substantially equal to 90°. Such astructural feature allows that while one of the above arms moves towardsthe cutting unit for picking up a reinforcing element intended to bedeposited on one end edge of the carcass ply, the other arm that hasalready picked up a previously: cut reinforcing element moves towardsthe other end edge of the carcass ply for the subsequent deposition ofsuch reinforcing element.

Preferably, each arm slides on a respective slide firmly associated tothe pick up device. This device allows the reinforcing element to bereleased from the cutting unit before moving it towards the respectiveend edge of the carcass ply.

Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, a first motor unitadapted to drive the rotation of one of said arms around a longitudinalaxis thereof is provided.

As to the cutting unit, it preferably comprises a pair of blades movabletoward/away from each other.

More preferably, said apparatus further comprises a second motor unitadapted to drive in a synchronised manner the movement of the blades andthe movement of the pick up device. The use of a single motor for boththe above movements allows the desired synchronism between the cuttingstep of the reinforcing element and the movement step of suchreinforcing element towards an end edge of the carcass ply to beachieved.

Preferably, the cutting unit is rotatable around respective rotationaxis for adjusting the width of g the cutting angle.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, each positioningmember comprises at least one pair of articulated arms, each articulatedarm comprising a first arm element having a first free end pivoted to asupport frame and an opposite free end whereon a first free end of asecond arm element is pivoted, the second arm element comprising, at anopposite free end thereof, a support member of the reinforcing element.

Preferably, the above support member comprises a plurality of flexibleelements. Such flexible elements allows, thanks to their mobility, theadhesion of the reinforcing element on the curved surface of the formingsupport to be achieved.

More preferably, the above support member comprises a suction or suctioncup or electromagnet holding device. This allows detaching thereinforcing element after it has been positioned on the end edge of thecarcass ply. Advantageously, a suction or suction cup device is usedwhen the cords inside the reinforcing element are made of a textile; inthis case, the detachment takes place by the emission of an air blow. Onthe other hand, an electromagnet device is used when the above cords aremade of metal; in this case, the detachment takes place by deactivatingthe electrical power supply to the device.

Preferably, the above support member is movable in a direction parallelto the pivoting direction of the above arm elements. This provisionallows the reinforcing element to be deposited on the end edge of thecarcass ply.

Preferably said apparatus further comprises a pair of pressing members,each at a respective articulation arm.

Preferably, said forming support is substantially cylindrical.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will appearmore clearly from the following detailed description of some preferredembodiments of an apparatus and process according to the presentinvention, made with reference to the annexed drawings. In suchdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an apparatus according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina first step of the process according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina second step of the process according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina third step of the process according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina fourth step of the process according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina fifth step of the process according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ina sixth step of the process according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 globally indicates an exemplifyingembodiment of an apparatus for making at least one pair of oppositeannular reinforcing structures 1 a, 1 b of the bead region of a tyre forvehicle wheels. Such apparatus allows carrying out a process accordingto the present invention.

In particular, apparatus 100 may be used in a process for manufacturinga tyre wherein the building steps of the carcass structure are carriedout at least in part simultaneously with the steps of making the crownstructure, the latter comprising at least one rim structure andpreferably also a tread band. The carcass structure and the crownstructure are made at respective separate work stations, from where therespective products must then come out with a time as synchronised aspossible, so as to proceed with the subsequent step of assembling thecrown structure on the carcass structure and then, with the subsequentsteps of the process for manufacturing the tyre.

Apparatus 100 allows making a reinforcing structure 1 a, 1 b at arespective end edge 2 a, 2 b of a carcass ply 2 laying on a cylindricalforming support 150. The aforementioned end edges are defined at axialend zones of the ply 2 which are intended to define the bead region ofthe tyre.

The reinforcing structure 1, 1 b is conveniently made directly on theforming support 150 in a step of building of a carcass structure. Such abuilding step comprises a step of laying on the forming support 150 thecarcass ply 2 and then, the step of depositing on the carcass ply 2 oneor more annular reinforcing structures 1 a, 1 b and one or more annularanchoring structures (not shown and also known as bead cores), thelatter being intended to keep the tyre well fixed to the anchoring seatspecifically provided in the rim of the wheel.

Apparatus 100 comprises a support frame 101 provided with respectivefloor support feet 102.

The forming support 150 is mounted on frame 101 of apparatus 100 betweena mandrel and a center (not shown) in a totally conventional manner. Itis moved in rotation about a respective rotation axis X-X, by a specialmoving device (not shown), with settable peripheral speed and angularpositions, always in a conventional manner.

The structure of the forming support 150 is not described in detailherein since it can be made in any convenient manner by the man skilledin the art.

Each reinforcing structure 1 a, 1 b is defined by a predetermined numberof reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b (FIGS. 2-7) of the same length andwidth. Such reinforcing elements are deposited on the forming support150 along substantially circular respective deposition paths defined onthe opposite end edges 2 a, 2 b of the carcass ply 2. With reference tothe annexed figures, the reinforcing elements 5 a are deposited oneafter the other in a circumferential direction on the end edge 2 a ofthe carcass ply 2 for forming the reinforcing structure 1 a, while thereinforcing elements 5 b are deposited one after the other in acircumferential direction on the end edge 2 b of the carcass ply 2 forforming the reinforcing structure 1 b.

In order to allow the sequential deposition in circumferential directionof the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b, the aforementioned moving devicedrives rotation of the forming support 150 about the rotation axis X-Xthereof by an angle corresponding to a predetermined circumferentialstep.

The reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b are obtained by operations for cuttingto size at least one continuous reinforced band-like element 4 extendingalong a, longitudinal extension direction indicated in the annexedfigures with G.

The continuous reinforced band-like element 4 has a defined and constantwidth, preferably comprised between 1 and 100 mm, more preferablybetween 30 and 50 mm.

The continuous reinforced band-like element 4 preferably comprises aplurality of reinforcing cords (not shown) of metal or textile materialincorporated in a matrix of elastomeric material. Such reinforcing cords6 extend parallel to one another along the longitudinal extensiondirection G of the continuous reinforced band-like element 4.

The continuous reinforced band-like element 4 is fed along thelongitudinal extension direction G thereof by a special feeding device20. Such device can comprise a device for in-line preparing thecontinuous reinforced band-like element 4, such as a drawing and/orcalendering device, or a coil for gathering the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4. In this last case the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4 is prepared in a central system upstream of thecoil.

By moving the continuous reinforced band-like element 4 by apredetermined pre-advance step, the feeding device 20 defines thecutting length of the continuous reinforced band-like element 4, whichcorresponds to the width of the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b whendeposited on the forming support 150.

The feeding device 20 essentially consists of a pair of belts 21, 22,respectively upper and lower, closed in a ring and that surround as asandwich the continuous reinforced band-like element 4. A motor 23provided with an encoder drives the rotation of the lower belt 22, whichcarries the continuous reinforced band-like element 4 forward by thepredetermined step. To ensure the movement of the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4, the upper belt 21 is properly pushed against thecontinuous reinforced band-like element 4.

A pair of rollers 24, 25, mounted upstream of the pair of belts 21, 22with reference to the advance direction of the continuous reinforcedband-like element, monitors the thickness of the latter and, in the caseof abnormal thickness (for example because of the presence of a toothick joint), sends a signal, to a special microprocessor that actuatesa device for the removal of non conforming material.

Downstream of the feeding device 20, with reference to the advancedirection of the continuous reinforced band-like element 4, a cuttingunit 30 is provided. The cutting unit 30 is adapted to carry out thesequential operations of cutting to size the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4 for sequentially obtaining the reinforcing elements5 a, 5 b. The cutting unit 30 acts on the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4 with a predetermined cutting frequency, along acutting direction that, on the lying plane of the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4, defines a predetermined cutting angle α with thelongitudinal direction G of the continuous reinforced band-like element4.

In the preferred embodiments of the process carried out by the apparatus100, the cutting angle α is set to a value greater than zero, preferablycomprised between about 15° and about 90°, more preferably between about20° and about 50°.

When the cutting angle α is equal to 90°, the length of the reinforcingelements 5 a, 5 b deposited on the forming support 150 corresponds tothe width of the continuous reinforced band-like element 4. When thecutting angle α is lower than 90°, the length of the reinforcingelements 5 a, 5 b is equal to the width of the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4 divided the sine of angle α. Preferably, the lengthof the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b is in any case comprised between 1mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 60 mm.

The cutting unit 30 comprises a pair of blades 31 and 32, respectivelyupper and lower, mounted on a pair of opposite uprights 33. The blades31, 32 are moved in a mechanical manner, for example by a cam system,not shown. A mechanical movement of this type allows a perfectsynchronism of the blades in their movement toward/away from each otherto be ensured.

The movement of blades 31, 32 is driven by a special motor unit (notshown in the annexed figures).

The cutting unit 30 is pivoted to frame 101 around a respective rotationaxis Y₁ and can rotate as a whole around such axis for allowing the cutof the continuous reinforced band-like element 4 with different angles.

Downstream of the cutting unit 30, that is, between the cutting unit 30and the forming support 150, a pick up device 40 of the reinforcingelements 5 a, 5 b is provided.

As better shown in FIGS. 2-7, the pick up device 40 comprises a pair ofpick up members, each comprising an arm 41 a, 41 b sliding on arespective slide 42 a, 42 b firmly associated to the pick up device 40,so as to obtain a linear sliding movement of arms 41 a, 41 b along therespective longitudinal directions. Such movement allows the release ofthe reinforcing element 5 a, 5 b from the cutting unit 30.

Each arm 41 a, 41 b comprises, at a free end thereof, pliers 43 a, 43 bfor picking up the reinforcing element 5 a, 5 b.

Arms 41 a, 41 b are rigidly connected to one another and angularlyspaced by a predetermined angle, preferably equal to 90°.

One of the two arms (in the example shown in the annexed figures, arm 41a) is further rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof (as shown inFIG. 5) for obtaining a tilting by 180° of the reinforcing element 5 aassociated thereto. Such motion is driven by a motor unit 45 mounted ona free end of arm 41 a.

The pick up device 40 is pivoted to the frame 101 around a respectiverotation axis Y₂ defined at a middle plane M of the apparatus 100. Thepick up device 40 may rotate about such axis in both directions ofrotation with an alternating movement, so as to move in an alternatingsequence the reinforcing elements 5 a towards the first end edge 2 a ofthe carcass ply 2 and the reinforcing elements 5 b towards the end edge2 b of the carcass ply 2. Preferably, the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b,are respectively moved towards positioning members 50 a and 50 b as isbetter described hereinafter. Such movement, which preferably is by 90°,is driven by the same motor unit that drives the movement (up/down) ofblades 31, 32.

As mentioned above, apparatus 100 further comprises, between the pick updevice 40 and the forming support 150, a pair of positioning members 50a, 50 b, each intended to take a respective reinforcing element 5 a, 5 bfrom the respective arm 41 a, 41 b of the pick up device 40 after sucharm has made an angular movement by 90° starting from the cutting unit30.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the positioning members 50 a, 50 b are preferablyarranged symmetrically at opposite side with respect to the middle planeM of the apparatus 100.

Always with reference to FIGS. 2-7, each positioning member 50 a, 50 bcomprises a respective articulated arm in turn comprising a first armelement 51 a, 51 b having a free end pivoted on the frame 101 at apivoting axis Y₃, and a second arm element 52 a, 52 b having a free endpivoted at a pivoting axis thereof Y₄ at a free end of the respectivefirst arm element 51 a, 52 a opposite that of pivoting to frame 101.

Each second arm element 52 a, 52 b comprises, at a free end thereofopposite that of pivoting to the first arm element 51 a, 51 b, arespective support member 53 a, 53 b adapted to pick up the respectivereinforcing element 5 a, 5 b from the respective arm 41 a, 41 b of thepick up device 40 for moving it at the respective end edge 2 a, 2 b ofthe carcass ply 2.

Each support member 53 a, 53 b is provided with a plurality of flexibleelements 54 a, 54 b (FIG. 1) adapted to support the reinforcing element5 a, 5 b during the movement towards the forming support 150 and toensure good positioning of the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b on the endedges 2 a, 2 b of the carcass ply 2. The reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b,once deposited, remain associated to the carcass ply by adhesion.

Each support member 53 a, 53 b is further provided with a device forholding the reinforcing element 5 a, 5 b by suction or suction cup orelectromagnet (according to whether the reinforcing cords inside thereinforcing elements are textile or metal), intended to prevent thereinforcing element 5 a, 5 b from falling during the movement towardsthe forming support 150.

As shown in FIG. 1, each support member 53 a, 53 b is mobile parallel tothe pivoting axes Y₃ and Y₄ for allowing the deposition of thereinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b on the forming support 150.

The deposition apparatus 100 further comprises, downstream of thepositioning members 50 a, 50 b, that is, between the positioning members50 a, 50 b and the forming support 150, a pair of pressing members 60 a,60 b.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the pressing members 60 a, 60 b are arrangedopposite the middle plane M of apparatus 100, each, at a respectivepositioning member 50 a, 50 b.

Each pressing member 60 a, 60 b is intended to press the reinforcingelement 5 a, 5 b on the forming support 150, so as to improve theadhesion of such reinforcing element 5 a, 5 b on the respective end edge2 a, 2 b of the carcass ply 2.

To this end, as shown in FIG. 1, each pressing member 60 a, 60 bconsists of an arm 61 a, 61 b substantially shaped as an L and having,on the side of the L facing the forming support 150, a plurality ofspring elements 62 a, 62 b adapted to match the curved surface of theforming support 150 when the reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b aredeposited. This ensures the complete adhesion of the support elements 5a, 5 b to the carcass ply 2.

The other side of the L of each arm 61 a, 61 b of the pressing members60 a, 60 b is mounted on a pair of guides 63 extending parallel to therotation axis X-X of the forming support 150.

Each of the pressing members 60 a, 60 b is further movable in adirection perpendicular to the rotation axis X-X of the forming support150, for example by a respective eccentric system 64 a, 64 b provided onthe portion of arms 61 a, 61 b coupled to guides 63. Such movement isdriven by respective motor units 65 a, 65 b associated each to arespective arm 61 a, 61 b at the side of the portion coupled to guides63.

With reference to FIGS. 2-7, a preferred embodiment of the process formaking the reinforcing structures 11, 1 b that can be carried out by thedeposition apparatus 100 described above will now be described.

FIGS. 2-7 show the process steps of the present invention in a runningcondition. Before carrying out the above process, the forming support150 is mounted on the frame 101 and apparatus 100 is set up according tothe features of the tyre to be manufactured. Set up of the apparatus 100comprises positioning of the cutting unit 30 at the desired cuttingangle α with respect to the longitudinal direction G of the continuousreinforced band-like element 4 and positioning of the pressing members60 a, 60 b at the correct radial and axial positions.

As already stated, in the process of the present invention thereinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b are cut in a sequence from the continuousreinforced band-like element 4 and alternately deposited each on arespective end edge 2 a, 2 b of the carcass ply 2. In particular, thedeposition of a reinforcing element 5 b on the end edge 2 b takes placeimmediately after deposition of a reinforcing element 5 a on the endedge 2 a and vice versa, so as to make the reinforcing structure 1 a onthe end edge 2 a while the reinforcing structure 1 b is made on the endedge 2 b.

At the running state, therefore, there is a situation wherein at leastone reinforcing element 5 a has already been deposited on the end edge 2a and at least one reinforcing element 5 b has already been deposited onthe end edge 2 b.

The process of the present invention is described hereinafter startingfrom this situation.

FIG. 2 shows a step wherein the continuous reinforced band-like element4 is advancing by a predetermined step along the above longitudinaldirection G; during such advance, the blades of the cutting unit 30 openand the pick up device 40 is made to rotate in clockwise direction so asto move arm 41 a at the cutting unit 30, that is, in the position ofFIG. 3. The cutting unit 30 with the blades in open position isindicated in FIG. 2 with a broken line.

As shown in FIG. 2, simultaneously with the rotation in clockwisedirection of the pick up device 40, a rotation in clockwise direction ofthe positioning member 50 a occurs. Indeed the positioning member 50 ahas just deposited a previously cut reinforcing element 5 a on theforming support 150 and moves away from the forming support 150 towardthe operating position shown in FIG. 6. The rotation of the positioningmember 50 a comprises a rotation in clockwise direction of arm element51 a about axis Y₃ and a concurrent rotation in clockwise direction ofarm element 52 a about axis Y₄, as shown by the circular broken lines inFIGS. 2-6.

Moreover, while the pick up device 40 and the positioning member 50 arotate in clockwise direction, the pressing member 60 a is in restposition, that is, it is kept raised with respect to the forming support150. The pressing member 60 a in such rest position is shown in FIG. 2with a broken line.

Always in FIG. 2 it can be seen that while arm 41 a rotates in clockwisedirection, arm 41 b also rotates in clockwise direction, moving awayfrom the cutting unit 30 where it has just picked up a reinforcingelement 5 b. Such reinforcing element 5 b has been released by thecutting unit 30 thanks to the linear movement of arm 41 b along thelongitudinal axis thereof. In this way, the reinforcing element 5 b ismoved away from the cutting unit 30 toward the operating position, shownin FIG. 3, rotated by 90° with respect to the initial position whereinarm 41 b has picked up the reinforcing element 5 b from the cutting unit30.

Simultaneously with these steps, the positioning member 50 b rotates incounter clockwise direction to move toward the operating position shownin FIG. 3. The rotation of the positioning member 50 b comprises arotation in counter clockwise direction of arm element 51 b about axisY₃ and a concurrent rotation in counter clockwise direction of armelement 52 b about axis Y₄, as shown by the circular broken lines inFIGS. 2 and 3. The pressing member 60 b in this step is in operatingposition, that is, it presses a previously deposited reinforcing element5 b on the forming support 150. The pressing member 60 b in suchoperating position is shown in FIG. 2 with a solid line.

Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 3, a reinforcing element 5 b is picked upby the pick up device 40 at the cutting unit 30.

In particular, pliers 43 a of arm 41 a pick up the continuous reinforcedband-like, element 4 at the free end thereof downstream of blades 31, 32of the cutting unit 30. Once this has taken place, blades 31, 32 closeup for cutting the continuous reinforced band-like element 4, thusobtaining a reinforcing element 5 a. The cutting unit 30 with the bladesin closed position is indicated in FIG. 3 with a solid line.

FIG. 3 shows how simultaneously with the cutting of the reinforcingelement 5 a, arm 41 b of the pick up device 40 transfers the previouslycut reinforcing element 5 b to the support element 53 b of thepositioning member 50 b, thus starting the step of positioning of thereinforcing element 5 b on the end edge 2 b of the carcass ply 2. Thepressing members 60 a and 60 b in this step are in rest position (bothshown in FIG. 3 with a broken line) and the positioning device 50 acontinues to move towards the operating position thereof shown in FIG.6.

FIG. 3 shows an initial part of the cutting step of the reinforcingelement 5 a, while FIG. 4 shows a final part of such cutting step.

FIG. 4 shows how, while the pick up device 40 is still in the operatingposition of FIG. 3, the positioning member 50 b rotates in clockwisedirection to bring on the second end edge 2 b of the carcass ply 2 thereinforcing element 5 b just left by the pick up device 40. The rotationof the positioning member 50 b comprises a rotation in clockwisedirection of arm element 51 b about axis Y₃ and a concurrent rotation inclockwise direction of arm element 52 b about axis Y₄, as shown by thecircular broken lines in FIG. 4.

Meanwhile, the positioning member 50 a continues to move towards theoperating position of FIG. 6 to take a reinforcing element 5 a from thepick up device 40.

In a subsequent step, shown in FIG. 5, the reinforcing element 5 a isreleased from the cutting unit 30 thanks to the linear movement of arm41 a along the longitudinal axis thereof and the pick up device 40 ismade to rotate in counter clockwise direction about axis Y₂. In thisway, the reinforcing element 5 a is moved away from the cutting unittoward the operating position, shown in FIG. 6, rotated by 90° withrespect to the position of FIGS. 3 and 4.

During this movement, arm 41 a is rotated by 180° around the respectivelongitudinal axis, so as to substantially overturn the reinforcingelement 5 a.

Meanwhile, the continuous reinforced band-like element 4 is made toadvance by a predetermined step along the above longitudinal directionG; during such advance, the blades of the cutting unit 30 open up. Thecutting unit 30 with the blades in open position is indicated in FIG. 2with a broken line.

Simultaneously with these steps, arm 41 b of the pick up device 40,having already transferred the reinforcing element 5 b to thepositioning member 50 b, moves toward the cutting unit 30, that is, inthe position of FIG. 6, to pick up a new reinforcing element 5 b.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, the movement of the positioning member 50a towards the operating position shown in FIG. 6 continues.

Moreover, simultaneously with the rotation in counter clockwisedirection of the pick up device 40, a rotation in counter clockwisedirection of the positioning member 50 b occurs. Indeed the positioningmember 50 b has just deposited on the forming support 150 a previouslycut reinforcing element 5 b and moves away from the forming support 150toward the operating position shown in FIG. 3. In this step, thepressing member 60 a is in operating position, that is, it presses onthe forming support 150 a previously deposited reinforcing element 5 a;such operating position is shown in FIG. 5 with a solid line. Thepressing member 60 b, on the other hand, is in rest position (shown inFIG. 5 with a broken line).

In a subsequent step, shown in FIG. 6, a reinforcing element 5 b ispicked up by the pick up device 40 at the cutting unit 30.

In particular, pliers 43 b of arm 41 b pick up the continuous reinforcedband-like element 4 at the free end thereof downstream of blades 31, 32of the cutting unit 30. Once this has taken place, blades 31, 32 closeup for cutting the continuous reinforced band-like element 4, thusobtaining a reinforcing element 5 b. The cutting unit 30 with the bladesin closed position is indicated in FIG. 6 with a solid line.

FIG. 6 shows how simultaneously with the cutting of the reinforcingelement 5 b, arm 41 a of the pick up device 40 transfers the previouslycut reinforcing element 5 a to the support element 53 a of thepositioning member 50 a, thus starting the step of positioning of thereinforcing element 5 a on the end edge 2 a of the carcass ply 2. Thepressing members 60 a and 60 b in this step are in rest position (bothshown in FIG. 6 with a broken line) and the positioning device 50 acontinues to move towards the operating position thereof shown in FIG.6.

Simultaneously with an initial part of the step of positioning thereinforcing element 5 a, the forming support 150 is made to rotate by apredetermined angle corresponding to a movement in circumferentialdirection by a distance having a length equal to (if thecircumferentially consecutive reinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b must bedeposited in contact and without overlapping) or greater than (if thereinforcing elements 5 a, 5 b must be deposited leaving a free spacebetween two circumferentially consecutive reinforcing elements) thepre-advance step of the continuous reinforced band-like element 4.

FIG. 6 shows an initial part of the cutting step of the reinforcingelement 5 b, while FIG. 7 shows a final part of such cutting step.

FIG. 7 shows how, while the pick up device 40 is still in the operatingposition of FIG. 6, the positioning member 50 a rotates in counterclockwise direction to bring on the first end edge 2 a of the carcassply 2 the reinforcing element 5 a just left by the pick up device 40.The rotation of the positioning member 50 a comprises a rotation incounter clockwise direction of arm element 51 a about axis Y₃ and aconcurrent rotation in counter clockwise direction of arm element 52 aabout axis Y₄, as shown by the circular broken lines in FIG. 7.

Meanwhile, the positioning member 50 b continues to move towards theoperating position of FIG. 3 to take a new reinforcing element 5 b fromthe pick up device 40.

The pressing members 60 a and 60 b in this step are in rest position(both shown in FIG. 7 with a broken line).

In a subsequent step (not shown), the positioning device 50 a depositsthe reinforcing element 5 a on the end edge 2 a of the carcass ply 2.The situation shown in FIG. 2 takes occurs again and the processcontinues cyclically as described above until the reinforcing structures1 a and 1 b are completed on the opposite end edges 2 a, 2 b of thecarcass ply 2.

It is clear from the above description that the process and theapparatus described above, making simultaneously the reinforcingstructures on the two opposite end edges of the carcass ply, allowachieving an advantageous reduction of the overall time for making suchstructures, and thus, of the overall time for manufacturing the tyre.

It is clear that a man skilled in the art may make further changes andmodifications to the invention described above in order to meet specificand contingent application needs, such changes and modifications in anycase falling within the scope of protection defined by the followingclaims.

For example, the step of pressing the reinforcing elements 5 a may becarried out during the positioning of the reinforcing elements 5 b.Likewise, the step of pressing the reinforcing elements 5 b may occurduring the positioning of the reinforcing elements 5 a. Moreover, therotation of the forming support 150 may take place any time between theabove pressing steps, provided that at that time the reinforcingelements 5 a, 5 b are not being deposited on the forming support 150.

1-37. (canceled)
 38. An apparatus for deposition of an annularreinforcing structure in a building step of a carcass structure of atyre for vehicle wheels, the carcass structure comprising at least onecarcass ply associated, at axially opposite end edges thereof, torespective annular anchoring structures, said at least one carcass plylaying on a forming support, comprising: a device for feeding acontinuous reinforced band-like element; a cutting unit of thecontinuous reinforced band-like element; a device for picking up atleast one reinforced element cut to size from the continuous reinforcedband-like element, the pick up device being alternately movable in bothdirections around a respective rotation axis for sequentially moving atleast one first reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a firstend edge of the carcass ply and at least one second reinforcing elementfrom the cutting unit toward a second end edge of the carcass plyopposite said first end edge; a first positioning member capable ofbeing adapted to take the first reinforcing element from the pick updevice and depositing the first reinforcing element on the first endedge of the carcass ply; and a second positioning member capable ofbeing adapted to take the second reinforcing element from the pick updevice and depositing the second reinforcing element on the second endedge of the carcass ply.
 39. The apparatus according to claim 38,wherein the pick up device comprises two arms rigidly connected to oneanother and angularly spaced by a predetermined angle.
 40. The apparatusaccording to claim 39, wherein said angle is substantially equal to 90°.41. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein each arm slides on arespective slide firmly associated with the pick up device.
 42. Theapparatus according to claim 39, comprising a first motor unit capableof being adapted to drive a rotation of one of said arms around alongitudinal axis thereof.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 38,wherein the cutting device comprises a pair of blades movabletoward/away from one another.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 43,further comprising a second motor unit capable of being adapted to drivein a synchronized manner the movement of the blades and the movement ofthe pick up device.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein thecutting unit is rotatable about a respective rotation axis for adjustingthe width of the cutting angle.
 46. The apparatus according to claim 38,wherein each positioning member comprises at least one pair ofarticulated arms, each articulated arm comprising a first arm elementhaving a first free end pivoted to a support frame and an opposite freeend whereby a first free end of a second arm element is pivoted, thesecond arm element comprising, at an opposite free end thereof, asupport member of the reinforcing element.
 47. The apparatus accordingto claim 46, wherein said support member comprises a plurality offlexible elements.
 48. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein saidsupport member comprises a suction or suction cup or electromagnetholding device.
 49. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein saidsupport member is movable in a direction parallel to a pivotingdirection of said arm elements.
 50. The apparatus according to claim 46,further comprising a pair of pressing members, each at a respectivearticulation arm.
 51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein eachpressing member comprises a plurality of spring elements.
 52. Theapparatus according to claim 50, wherein each pressing member is movablealong a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the formingsupport.
 53. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein each pressingmember is movable along a direction parallel to a rotation axis of theforming support.
 54. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein saidforming support is substantially cylindrical.